Chapter Seventy-Four: The Day of Departure

The next morning, at the Qin family’s martial training grounds.

Today was a rather extraordinary day, secretly dubbed “Expulsion Day” by the disciples of the Qin clan.

The martial grounds were lined up neatly, filled with Qin family disciples. Yet, most of them were in low spirits, for today was the day many would be cast out from the family.

The gathering of everyone was for a public announcement: to reveal the names of those who would be forced to leave the Qin clan, while also serving as a warning to those who remained.

In the Qin family, if you do not meet the standards, you are expelled. This was the family code, an iron law. No one could defy it, not even the patriarch could shield anyone.

Qin Feng arrived somewhat late. Originally, he had planned to slip away quietly, but after some thought, he decided to attend. Though having one’s name read out in public was hardly an honor, he was still a member of the Qin clan and held deep affection for it. As long as he remained part of the family, he should respect it.

And so, Qin Feng came.

Yet the way everyone looked at him was strange. Especially those who had clashed with him before—Qin Yuer, Qin Yuanji, Qin Yuanbao—their gloating expressions were almost unbearable.

Qin Feng, however, paid them no mind.

It was Qin Ba who surprised him. Upon seeing Qin Feng, Qin Ba walked up, patted him on the shoulder, and gave a hearty smile, as if to comfort him.

Qin Ba was a core disciple, privy to matters before others. Qin Feng nodded in thanks. Qin Ba had recently awakened a Yellow-grade Dragon Soul, and his magnanimity far surpassed that of Qin Yuer and the others. In time, he would surely reach the Earthly Martial Realm.

The atmosphere was oppressive, so neither spoke much. Qin Feng quietly took his place among the crowd, standing tall beneath countless glances.

A temporary platform had been erected in the center of the training grounds.

Qin Tianzheng was nowhere to be seen, which greatly surprised Qin Feng.

"Could it be that Grandfather isn’t presiding?"

He guessed his grandfather could not bear to witness his expulsion, and so found an excuse to withdraw. With Grandfather absent, the duty fell to the family's eldest elder, Qin Li.

Qin Li was the second strongest in the Qin clan, only beneath Qin Tianzheng, and presided over the Hall of Justice. He was a figure of authority, commanding respect from all. His hair was white, his face iron-grey, and a black mole adorned his left jaw. Known for his impartiality and severity, he had punished many in the clan, and none had ever seen him smile. Most disciples feared him.

Yet today, Qin Li seemed to be in a good mood.

He had managed to unite the elders and pressure Qin Tianzheng into expelling his beloved grandson, Qin Feng—a victory that brought him immense satisfaction.

Qin Li and Qin Tianzheng had been rivals since childhood. Originally, the headship of Luoyang Town should have been Qin Li’s, but Qin Tianzheng’s sudden return had snatched the position away, leaving Qin Li as elder, in charge of the Hall of Justice.

Lingering resentment was inevitable.

Thus, longstanding disagreement existed between the two.

After years of being overshadowed, Qin Li could finally vent his grievances.

Yet today, Qin Tianzheng deliberately avoided the proceedings, leaving Qin Li somewhat dissatisfied. He lost the chance to mock his rival directly, and felt a pang of regret. As his gaze swept over Qin Feng in the crowd, his eyes were cold and inscrutable.

Qin Feng, however, paid little attention to Qin Li’s scrutiny. He was more concerned with the many looks cast his way, but these were nothing to him.

His mind was already elsewhere, eager to set off for Sword Mountain in Shu and reunite with his brother Zhan Bai.

He wondered how Fang Xinyi was faring.

His thoughts wandered, and he cared little for anything else.

Soon, all had gathered. Qin Li cleared his throat and launched into a lengthy, pompous speech. Qin Feng did not listen to a word, knowing full well it would be nothing but criticism and reprimand.

When the speech ended, Qin Li began to read out the names of those to be expelled.

Those named were—

“Qin Pingzhi, Qin Yu, Qin Liangsheng…”

As each name was called, those named hung their heads in shame. Those not named silently vowed to work harder, not to follow in their footsteps.

“Qin Feng!”

At last, his name was read loudly, with particular emphasis.

Qin Feng raised his head, his expression indifferent. The outcome was already known; this was mere formality, insignificant.

What he had not expected was the stir his name caused.

Almost every disciple whispered and discussed the announcement.

Qin Feng was speechless.

Was he really so influential?

The scene became somewhat chaotic, prompting Qin Li to cough and bark, “Well? Does anyone object to this decision?”

The elder’s words restored order.

Yet someone dared to speak up—a familiar face.

“Elder, I believe Qin Feng should not leave the clan. Though his bloodline soul is ruined, his strength remains formidable. You cannot deny he was once Luoyang Town’s brightest talent. Besides, there are countless paths to cultivation; a change in direction may yet yield hope for Qin Feng.”

These words came from Qin Ba.

After Qin Feng “fell,” Qin Ba had become the leading younger disciple. Only he dared, under the elder’s authority, to speak for Qin Feng.

Qin Feng was surprised.

He glanced at Qin Ba, whose sincerity was unmistakable.

He had not expected that someone would stand up for a “failure” like him at such a critical moment, defying the elder. Such boldness and loyalty were truly remarkable.

Righteous and brotherly!

A warmth spread through Qin Feng’s heart.

“Is this what you all think as well?”

Qin Li was clearly angered, his sharp gaze sweeping the crowd, especially those younger disciples who still whispered among themselves.

Under such pressure, most chose silence, but their silence spoke volumes.

Silence meant assent!

Qin Li was furious.

“So, you dare question my decision?”

In the Qin family, Qin Li’s word was law. Today, being challenged by so many juniors was a disgrace, his authority undermined. His iron-grey face reddened with rage.

“Very well, since that’s the case, I’ll give Qin Feng a chance to prove he deserves to stay in the clan! Qin Sheng, come forward!”

“Yes!”

A robust voice replied, and a young man leapt onto the platform, standing straight.

With Qin Sheng on stage, the crowd erupted again. Everyone knew Qin Sheng was a true first-rank Human Martial Realm practitioner, and had awakened a Heavenly-grade Dragon Soul.

In everyone’s eyes, whether in cultivation or bloodline soul, Qin Sheng far surpassed Qin Feng. The result was obvious—Qin Li clearly intended to give Qin Feng no real chance.

This was nothing but a deliberate humiliation!

Even Qin Ba’s face turned pale. He had not expected his good intentions would push Qin Feng into the spotlight, making matters worse.

And soon, this would be proven.

Qin Li, brimming with satisfaction, locked his gaze on Qin Feng, pointed to the family gates, and declared, “Qin Feng, if you have the courage, come on stage and challenge Qin Sheng! If you win, you may stay. If you dare not, the gates are behind you—leave the Qin family at once. Go!”

“And Qin Ba, if you refuse to accept this, and wish to stand up for Qin Feng, you may come on stage as well. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut, or the family laws will deal with you!”

Qin Li’s words were sharp and uncompromising.

He not only slapped Qin Feng’s face, but dragged Qin Ba into it as well.

The word “go” sent a chill through Qin Feng’s gaze. Even the meekest have their breaking point—at this moment, Qin Feng was truly enraged.

Qin Ba’s face flushed purple with anger.

Under the eyes of all—

When everyone expected Qin Feng to yield and leave in humiliation—

Qin Feng stepped forward, pressing down Qin Ba, who was about to rush onto the stage in anger. Under Qin Ba’s astonished gaze, Qin Feng strode toward the platform, his eyes resolute.

…